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Study finds dementia risk factors could depend on which country you live in

A new study by Curtin University found that millions of dementia cases across the Western Pacific Region could be prevented by implementing country-specific strategies to address key risk factors. The research highlights a major opportunity for prevention, showing how different countries' economic and social contexts affect risk factors.

SourceCurtin University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 18, 2026

Housing insecurity, incident geriatric conditions, and mortality in community-living older persons

A cohort study found that poor housing affordability was associated with higher risks of frailty, disability, dementia, and mortality, while poor housing quality was linked to increased risks of frailty, disability, and mortality. Housing insecurity is identified as a clinically relevant social determinant of health among older persons.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 1, 2026

Bowel and ovarian cancer cases rising among younger adults in England

Cancer cases are on the rise among younger adults in England, with a significant increase in bowel and ovarian cancer rates. The study found that excess weight is a key contributor, but it's unlikely to fully explain this trend, as trends in risk factors such as smoking and diet have been stable or improving over the past decade.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2026

Extreme climate events increase heart disease risk, new study reveals

A new study reveals a strong link between extreme climate events and the incidence of heart disease among middle-aged and older adults in 157 Chinese cities. Exposure to extreme heat, cold, and precipitation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, with higher BMI-related risks associated with temperature intensity and cold-induce...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2026

Heavy drinking, alcohol use disorder, and obesity

A nationally representative study found nearly 1 in 10 U.S. adults with heavy drinking and obesity conditions, highlighting the need for preventive efforts in younger and middle-aged adults without insurance or Medicaid coverage to curb rising rates of alcohol-associated liver disease deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 20, 2026

Having more kids associated with reduced risk of stroke and brain damage, research co-led by UT Health San Antonio shows

A new study co-led by UT Health San Antonio found that having three or more live births is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and brain damage in women. The research suggests that reproductive factors, such as the number of live births, may be an important predictive factor in assessing stroke risk in women.

SourceThe University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2026

US trends in long-term opioid therapy

Long-term opioid therapy prescription rates declined in the US from 2015 to 2023, despite a growing population of older adults receiving these treatments. Approximately 4-5 million patients were prescribed long-term opioids in 2023, with Medicare covering a larger proportion, raising concerns about safety.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 8, 2026

Pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection

The study found that women with pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection (P-SCAD) have a higher risk of cardiovascular events, including dissections and aneurysms. Women with P-SCAD also experienced less recovery in left ventricular ejection fraction compared to those without P-SCAD.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2026

Childhood mortality by parental cause of death

A statewide cohort study found childhood mortality is significantly higher among children bereaved by parental drug overdose, homicide, and suicide. Parental homicide was associated with the highest risk of mortality in children, highlighting the need for research into potential explanations such as family restructuring and mental health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 23, 2026

Meat consumption and cognitive health by APOE genotype

A new study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that high meat consumption is associated with better cognitive trajectories and lower dementia risk among individuals with the APOE 34/44 genotype. The finding contradicts previous expectations, highlighting potential clinical and public health relevance for this population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 19, 2026

Colorectal cancer risk with negative colonoscopy or nonadherence after positive fecal occult blood test screening

A decrease in colorectal cancer incidence was observed among individuals with negative screening colonoscopy results, particularly men, suggesting risk-based follow-up strategies. Nonadherence to scheduled colonoscopies increased the risk of CRC, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve early detection.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 19, 2026

Digital media use and child health and development

A systematic review and meta-analysis found consistent associations between digital media use and risks to child health and development, particularly social media use. The study highlights the need for multifaceted policies and interventions to mitigate potential harms from digital media exposure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 9, 2026